Yes, the air is turning a little cooler now. It’s finally enjoyable to get out and ride without baking on our Bents. Before we know it, Christmas will be here. Here is a list of some ideas for you to mull over for that special Bent rider on your list, or to treat yourself for being extra good this year! Beat the last minute frantic rush and go ahead and start the Christmas shopping ritual while at the same time getting things that laid back rider will LOVE! Here are some ideas for all price ranges. Make your list, check it twice and have fun doing it! (Hint: wouldn’t hurt anything to print this list and check what you want and conveniently leave it in plain view for some one who will be shopping for YOU to see!)

______ Bags for carrying stuff. LOTS of options here. Most cycles brands have bags created expressly for their models. Then there are always the generic “do all” bags available. Whether you are a long distance touring cyclist, or one that just rides around the ‘hood, these bags are a real asset. What to put in them? Mosquito repellent, pump and tubes,, energy snack, spare batteries, tool kit, whatever. A bag will do it. Need a good rack for the cycle to hold one? Add that to the list!

_____ Lights. A lot of us do some night crawling — whether in the summer to escape the burning sun, or in the winter because there IS no sun. Lights are a life saver. Do not take this subject “lightly.” Have GOOD LIGHTS on your cycle — front and back. You can go simple and still have a good lighting system, or be creative and light your cycle better than DFW airport. Bottom line: invest in a good light system that can help make you visible when riding in the dark.

_____ Horns. Whether you get the kiddie “toot toot”, or an AirZoud that will rock the rafters, a horn can be a vital part of your cycling safety. Whether to ward off a pesky dog or to alert a slow poke you’re coming around him, horns can play an important part of your cycling experience.

_____ Helmets. Yes, we already have a helmet, I know. But a cool looking helmet can be the icing on the cake. The price range is wide open, but there are kick rear good looking helmets on all price levels. Come on — admit it. Wouldn’t you just LOVE to have that sleek beauty on your head?

_____ Fancy rims. This is for the creative and rather eccentric of us. For those with the desire to ride with flare, a Velocity rim can be the dream come true. Check out these rims. They can bring a whole new dimension to the “fun” in recumbent riding!!!

_____ Dog carriers. For those of you with kids with four legs, a way to carry your furry best friend would be a delight for both you and your dog. Check out the article on the Easy Street Recumbent website titled “Take Me Along (If You Love Me)”. Christmas morning could be a BLAST for both of you!

_____ Cycling camera. While a real indulgence, some of us camera buffs would love a system for recording our rides. Granted, an expensive “toy”, but for some they serve as a “black box” for recording their ride in case of an accident. Whether helmet mounted, or cycle mounted, for the shutter bugs in the group, this would be a no brainer present!

_____ A new trike/bike. No explanation needed here!

____ New pedals/cranks/pedal extenders. Perhaps one of the most critical parts of making our rides more enjoyable is the pedal! Not a lot of thought given to them, but those that have experienced knee pain, foot numbness, among other miserable conditions may very well find relief with new pedals, cranks, or pedal extenders.

_____ Cycling computers. Whether you just want something to tell you how far you go and how fast, or one that tells you almost everything imaginable, the cycling computer could be a much appreciated and fun gift. Lots to check out and consider when purchasing one. Ask Mike for recommendations for the style riding the lucky recipient does.

_____ Flags. The flag on your recumbent is a crucial member of the safety arsenal for riding. The teeny flags some manufacturers provide can barely be seen three feet away. GO BOLD. A new flag is a fun present to open!

_____ Cycling jerseys. There are thousands of options out there, but the Jersey of Choice for those in the know is the Easy Street jersey! Treat yourself or someone you know to an Easy Street Recumbent team jersey and become a member of Team Easy Street!

Functional and stylish

_____ Easy Street Saturn Sling Bag. These good looking bags are comfortably worn and can carry a wide variety of “stuff” whether riding or just out and about.

Probably too small for your doggy

Stocking Stuffers

Now is the area to have some silly fun stuffing stockings! Get creative!

_____ chain lube

_____ spare tubes

_____ spare tire caps

_____ lip balm

_____ individual mosquito repellent wipes

_____ cycling sunglasses

_____ night vision glasses

_____ arm warmers

_____ energy shots

_____ I.D. to wear while riding

_____ cycling gloves

_____ a GOOD water bottle

This is just a brief idea list to get you started on the Christmas shopping list. Didn’t see anything that rocked you? Come by Easy Street or give Mike a call. Ideas — we got ‘em!

It’s a great day to go riding. Beautiful weather, the trike is running tip top, perfect trails to ride on. You’ve got your clothes on and everything ready to walk out the door. Then the dreaded Guilt Trip starts. Those sad eyes pleading to go along and spend the much coveted time with YOU outdoors doing something fun.

The search then begins to find the best system for taking your #1 Best Friend along when you ride. There are many factors that should be considered and many key features that must be met for each individual dog. This can make choosing the right system for you a real test. First thing that should be done is make a list of what your needs and wants are for taking your dog with you. Here are some factors that need to go on the list:

1. What size is your dog? Weight can determine if the dog can ride in a basket on the back of your trike, or if a dog trailer pulled behind will be the best option.

2. Is your dog in training for the Olympic High Jump? Would she make Houdini look like an amateur escape artist? A trailer would be your safest bet.

3. Do you have a rack on the back of your trike to mount a basket?

One of the two options for toting Fido is a rack mounted rear basket. This works for dogs under 20 pounds, and preferably ones that do not require a straight jacket when out of the house. Baskets are a convenient option that allows the dog to be very close to the owner. Some of us have dogs that have separation anxiety attacks if we get two feet from them. The basket provides a close proximity to each other than can make the ride much less stressful for the both of you.

However, if your dog is a jumper, an open basket could be a potential VERY bad accident. Dogs can be tethered to the basket to help keep them in. A clipped in leash will not stop them from trying to exit though. One woman reports of riding along and suddenly noticing her dog dangling on the side of her trike after jumping out unnoticed. She was not hurt, but the owner nearly had to be taken to the hospital for a heart attack. One basket on the market is the Basil Pasja Rear Mounted Dog Basket:

This is a Plain Jane basket of natural wicker. It is 12″ wide (at the rear) by 21″ long, standing 8″ tall at the rear and 10.5 inches tall at the front (note: I guess I have mine on backwards because I put the shortest end at the front so I can reach in and pet my dog while riding). It has a wooden base that comes with a clamp mount to securely attach to a bike rack. It holds a maximum of 44 pounds, but no way you could get a dog comfortably to fit in it that weighed over 20 pounds.

There is the problem of jumping out here, however. Since the basket is made of wicker, it has no reasonable place to attach a leash to. The beauty of this system comes in the form of a protective cover that can be purchased separately.

Again, nothing fancy. It attaches to the basket with straps, but I personally used zip ties to attach mine. The stock closure system isn’t very good either, so I take a small bungee cord and clip it to the bike rack. Very secure, and this is a VERY effective way to carry a smaller dog.

For customization, I added a memory foam pad covered with cloth in the bottom to absorb shock and add comfort to the ride. When it is sunny, I attach a small piece of fabric with simple paper clamps to the wire cover to serve as a canopy.

Sweet P (my Pug) is not tied in when she rides. The protective cover allows her not to be constrained while riding, which is a big plus — no having to stop to untangle a twisted leash about to strangle her.

The system is not cheap for something so basic. The basket runs around $80, with the cover running around $35. It was worth the cost to me though with the featured that worked perfectly for us.

Another alternative rear basket is the Snoozer:

The reflective tape across the back is a nice feature. The black fur interior may be uncomfortable in Texas heat, however. The basket does not have a protective cover, so the dog would have to be restrained by a leash clipped in.

There are many dog bicycle baskets on the market, but the majority are made for front handlebar mounting. So be very careful to make sure any system you buy is for REAR mounting.

Some people have made creative alternatives that work perfectly for them. Below is a system that was made from a simple basket purchased at a home goods store. This set up has carried this Yorkie hundreds of miles in comfort:

Jujube is always clipped in. She has lots of padding for when she wants to lie down. She is a tourist — almost always standing to take in the view.

Please consider your dog’s safety and comfort when choosing a basket. Always remember there is NO dog that can be trusted not to jump if unrestrained. Please go the extra mile to insure your dog has a fun experience and is not in danger.

If Fido is just too large or just too hyper to ride in a basket on the trike, trailers can be the answer to the problem. There is a VERY large spectrum when it comes to dog bike trailers. They can run as inexpensive as $100 to over $500.

When shopping for dog trailers, there are some some imprtant features to check for:

Reinforced floors are important, as well as side battens which help to keep energetic pets from escaping or toppling the trailer over. Many pet trailers have a low center of gravity which keeps the ride smooth and stable. Other features to look for are removable floor for washing, side pockets for extra storage and tie downs which are nice for hauling bulky items. Some of the larger pet trailers even feature a roof rack for extra big cargo. To help guard against sudden inclement weather, a rain cover is a must have feature.

Most trailers list a maximum loading weight which can range from the smaller models good for small breeds under 25 lbs to larger models which will haul a dog the size of a Golden Retreiver or a Labrador. When it doubt, it is wise to go with a larger trailer for comfort.

A dog deserves a smooth and nice ride. A cheaper dog trailer may have tires that are made of hard plastic. A higher quality trailer will have big, pneumatic tires, similar to the tires on your trike. They can easily be inflated with a regular air pump. Good tires mean your dog will not be beaten up by bumps and bad roads. Air filled tires equal a more luxurious ride. Regarding safety, many of us feel the same towing a pet as we would a child in a bike trailer and find suspension and wheels are definitely not a place to cut corners.

If you have an older dog or dog with mobility problems, be conscious of the way the dog gets in or out of the trailer. Some trailers are easier for an physically challenged dog to enter and exit.

Some trailers have the option to convert the trailer to a stroller for your dog. This may or may not be a good feature for your particular needs. If so, make sure the trailer does have ability to convert to a stroller. As usual, this is frequently an added expense.

Many of the trailers are foldable, which makes them a big plus for storing and transporting.

Here are some examples of some of the top selling dog trailers:

Burley Crooser

Solvit Houndabout

Doggyride Original

Best Pet Dog Trailer

Some riders opt for a child’s trailer for their four legged “child”:

When riding a recumbent trike with a pet trailer on back, make every effort to be aware of changes in balance and momentum, as when going downhill or coming to a halt. Slow down when turning a corner. In many towns, road surfaces can vary greatly – watch for potholes which can tip the trailer and try and avoid dirt roads with crushed rock and stones which might pose hazards to your dog.

In traffic be mindful that the trailer may be wider than you are. Openings you might fit through on your own might not permit passage with a trailer behind. Be very mindful of the trailer when riding on a sidewalk near the curb. Make sure your can still see following traffic in your mirrors, and not just your trailer.

When traveling, ensure that your dog is secured with a harness or leash. Many trailers feature D rings inside to keep Rover in place. If your dog is in a hyper mood and jumps from the trailer or if you have an accident and tip over the pet trailer a secured leash or harness may save your dog’s life.

Be sure to add reflectors and a red rear light to your pet trailer as the trailer will obscure the rear reflector and light on your bike. It ‘s also sensible to add a flag which can make the trailer more visable to traffic.

With proper dog rack mounted baskets or trailers, taking your Best Friend can be an easy, safe, and fun experience for both you and your dog. Please keep your dog’s safety foremost in mind when choosing the right basket or trailer. Do not sacrifice safety and comfort to save money.

Contact Easy Street Recumbents to help fit you and your dog with the best system available for taking your Best Friend along for the ride.

Since I live in the Texas Hill Country and enjoy riding hills, I thought it would be fun to customize my Catrike Expedition to make it an even better hill climber. Customizing it for rolling down the other side was not a concern, since tadpole trikes do that about as well as I can stand anyway.

Years ago I knew I was doomed to own a Catrike when I first read the name of the company that made these stiff, one-piece, aluminum-framed trikes–”Big Cat HPV.” I am something of a cat fetishist and spent much of last summer trying to see a puma in New Mexico, a real American big cat, some of it on the namesake vehicle. The Catrike hpv’s do have a catlike ability to climb, due primarily to their stiff frames and light weight, and I set out to make changes to the stock version that enhanced that ability. This was not making a silk purse of a sow’s ear but rather that of improving what was already a rather evolved product.

John MacTaggart, CEO of Pterosail Trike Systems, LC, is visiting Easy Street Recumbents today as part of his cross-country tour of the United States. He will be available on Monday, July 26, at 3pm to talk about his unique tricycle and answer any questions about his company, his equipment, and his journey. We will meet at the bike shop, then head about a half mile away to an open area to better demonstrate the wind sail on his tricycle. John will stick around until 6pm or so before moving on to continue his trip.

John MacTaggart is the CEO of Pterosail, a company in Iowa that manufactures a unique wind-powered recumbent tricycle with a mast and sail. MacTaggart’s Pterosail also includes solar panels and a light duty electric motor for carrying a full touring cargo load. You may read more about Pterosail and MacTaggart’s journey at http://pterosail.com/.

A time trial upright tricyclist making a fast turn. From Flickr user fuzzytnth3, courtesy Creative Commons

Bike steering is actually much more complicated than trike steering, though the complications lie between the rider’s ears. The hardware is simpler. Bikes are controlled by rotating the handle bars back and forth on a headset and by body lean, and somehow the human brain learns to throw in just the right mix of handle-bar turn and body lean to control the bike at whatever speed. The mix drastically changes as speed increases. Bikes use much more steering control–turning of the handlebars–at slow speeds than at high speeds, where very slight shifts in body lean suffice to change direction. They don’t just suffice, actually, they are all you can get away with. Handlebar rotation goes down to almost nothing on a 40 mph hill. We don’t consciously think about that, but our brains know how to do it.

Chimpanzees can ride bicycles (I will leave out the evolutionary jokes, here), but they aren’t very good at it. Riding bicycles is complicated and seems to be one of those things we do with the latent and excess powers of our remarkable human brains. It is one of the side tricks we use to show off, like mathematics and music. Trikes on the other hand steer entirely by handlebar rotation. You lean your body to compensate for centrifugal force and stay sunny side up, but you don’t lean to steer.

Early in the morning of June 19, Kent Polk and the three other members of Team Bent Up Cycles rolled through the finish line at the eastern end of the Race Across America. The pre-dawn finish was the culmination of six days, 3,000 miles, and over 100,000 vertical feet of cycling. Few people qualify for the race, even fewer are daring enough to attempt the race, and of those many elite cyclists and well-supported teams, a significant number do not finish.

On June 25, a week after finishing, Kent stopped by Easy Street where he bought Mike lunch, to thank Mike for selling him his first Bacchetta. He rode in on the customized Bacchetta Carbon Aero 2.0 on which he raced across the country. The RAAM training made the familiar roads several mph faster than ever before and that was with a headwind. After jetting in he took some time to answer several of our questions about the race and his equipment, before heading back to his hometown of Helotes, Texas.

Put any red-blooded newbie on a tadpole trike, age and sex irrespective, and the person will begin to snap off sharp turns. In truth, cornering such trikes is more fun that all but one or two other activities permitted under the law. Trike vendors are rightfully a little wary of this tendency, as customer try-outs turn into wild cornering escapades that may go too far. Low tadpole trikes are amazingly difficult to flip on their sides, but some customers manage to flip them. Recently, I saw evidence of a Catrike 700 being turned on its side in a test run–an amazing feat. I rode a 700 for 3,400 miles, and the trike is so low and stuck to the road that even in my wildest high-speed maneuvers during all that riding I never even lifted a wheel. But trike cornering euphoria can seize you just like that and take you where 700′s flip and angels fear to tread. When this newbie euphoria coincides with a dreaded “off-camber turn,” a road surface that slopes in the oppose direction from the turn, disaster can occur.

Recumbents, being comfortable and efficient, are a natural fit for long distance riding. Many upright bike riders find themselves limited in distance by pains that are unique to upright bicycles, localized to their wrists, arms, back, neck, and butt. When those riders discover recumbent bikes and trikes, they may increase their distance dramatically over the course of several months.

However, once riders extend the duration of their riding by several hours, they will find new aches and pains that kick in from repetitive use of certain key muscles and joints. The good news is that these aches and pains can be addressed, and to a large degree prevented, with proper bike fitting. In this article I will relate the example of my problems on a Bacchetta Corsa high racer, and the steps I took to alleviate those problems.Read the rest of this entry »

KMX is a British company which started out in 2002 selling tadpole trikes for kids. Eventually KMX expanded its offerings to adult models when parents became jealous of junior’s new wheels. They sell adult trikes in many levels of performance / cost, but all their adult models appear to be based on the same basic frame. The frame is made of tough steel, with rugged, large diameter square tubing. The frame features an internal chainrun through the cross-member, which protects the delicate chain from being crushed against rocks or other obstacles and keeps chain idlers from bumping against the ground.